VI - INTERIM REVIEW

Summary

6.1 On 20 May 2011, the Panel submitted its Interim Panel Reports to the parties. On 17 June 2011, Canada, Mexico and the United States each submitted written requests for the review of precise aspects of the Interim Reports. On 30 June 2011, Canada, and on 1 July 2011, Mexico and the United States submitted comments on a number of requests for review presented by the other parties.

None of the parties requested an interim review meeting.

6.2 In accordance with Article 15.3 of the DSU, this section of the Panel's reports sets out the Panel's response to the arguments made at the interim review stage, providing explanations where necessary. The Panel has modified aspects of its reports in the light of the parties' comments where it considered these appropriate, as explained below. The Panel has also made certain technical and editorial corrections and revisions to the Interim Panel Reports for the purposes of clarity and accuracy. References to sections, paragraph numbers and footnotes in this section relate to the Interim Panel Reports, except as otherwise noted.

Measures that Fall Within the Panel's Terms of Reference

1. “USDA's clarification documents” (paragraphs 7.22, 7.23, and relevant parts of the Article X:3(a) section)

6.3 The United States points out that, in its second written submission, it objected to the inclusion of USDA's clarification documents (Exhibits CDA-29, 30, 31), referenced by Canada in its oral statement in the first panel meeting, within the Panel's terms of reference.